Mise à jour le 20 mars 2026
Environmental History in the 19th and 20th Centuries
This doctoral project focuses on environmental history in the 19th and 20th centuries. It examines how relationships between societies and environments were shaped by industrialization, imperial expansion, technological change, and increasing pressures on natural resources.
Application deadline: 25 May 2026
| Place of work: Université Lumière Lyon 2 - Campus Berges du Rhône Publication date: 20/03/2026 Type of contract: Doctoral contract Contract duration: 36 months |
| Expected start date: September 2026 Working hours: Full time Remuneration: €2,200 gross per month Desired level of education: Master's degree (2nd year) in History |
The dissertation will explore how environments have been observed, transformed, governed, and debated, at the intersection of environmental history, history of science and technology, and social and political history.
No specific geographical area is required. Projects may focus on any region. Proposals related to Russia, Central Asia, or the Caucasus are welcome but not required.
The precise topic will be defined jointly with the supervisors based on the candidate’s proposal. Methods may include archival research, printed sources, oral history, or other relevant historical materials.
Working environment
The PhD student will be recruited by Université Lumière Lyon 2 for a period of 36 months. He/she will be registered as a doctoral student in the Social Sciences doctoral school.
The thesis will be co-directed by Stéphane Frioux, Professor of Contemporary History at Université Lyon 2, and Katja Doose, Junior Professor of Environmental History.
The PhD student will be attached to the LARHRA (UMR 5190), "Environment, Territory and Health" and "Knowledge, Actors, Dynamics, Spaces" divisions.
A dedicated budget has been set aside for missions (conferences and research) abroad and within France.
Profile
- First thesis registration in 2026/2027
- Not be enrolled in a doctoral program at another French or foreign higher education institution (excluding cotutelle).
- Hold a Master's degree in history and meet the eligibility criteria set by the doctoral school (see https://edsciencessociales.universite-lyon.fr/
Details regarding the application timeline and the composition of the selection committee are provided in the document available for download below.
Dates
Créé le 20 mars 2026